Family, Residences, and Essential Enterprises, or F.R.E.E, realized it was overwhelmed trying to secure grocery deliveries, household supplies and other essential items for those in need at the beginning of the pandemic.

In response, the organization started its own delivery service called Free Pod.  

John Gallagher, the senior director of community services, says the number of programs they are helping changes every day, but it's somewhere between 90 and 100 programs, including group homes, respites and day programs.

“It's something that you know developed from this tiny little idea to what it is now,” says Gallagher. “Which is basically in-house delivery business.”

The organization also offers opportunity for a group of people who are ready, willing and able.  

“If you're just at home like I am sometimes you can go crazy you know what I mean not insane, but you could just be like OK what am I gonna do with myself here you know what I mean,” says volunteer Kevin Lane. “But being here with my friends and everything it's like hey why not be with your friends?”

The program has about 50 volunteers packing supplies and making deliveries.